msw Posted August 23, 2011 Share Posted August 23, 2011 Having visited the ongoing work-in-progress that is Gaudi's incomparable Sagrada Familia in 2005, I've often found myself wondering what kind of organ would eventually be built for it, and indeed who would be awarded the contract. (I'm sure many others have too!) At last it appears there is a partial answer to that question. Though incomplete, the Sagrada Familia has now been consecrated as a minor basilica, by Pope Benedict in November 2010. A 2-manual / pedal organ was installed in the Presbytery (ready for use on that occasion) by Orgues Blancafort; it's the first of several instruments that will be placed at strategic locations throughout the basilica, obviously to try and overcome the tremendous acoustics in there! http://www.orguesblancafort.com/PRO-EN.pdf http://www.orguesblancafort.com/CARACT-EN.pdf There's already some footage of the instrument in use: The latter clip (from the consecration service) proves why multiple organs will be needed: it must have been hell on earth for the organist to try and accompany the choir from effectively the opposite end of the building! One wonders if the project will be completed in tandem with the basilica's own completion, due by 2026...? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vox Humana Posted August 24, 2011 Share Posted August 24, 2011 Gosh. When I was there in 2008 there was hardly anything to see inside the building except a mass of scaffolding. How fantastic it now looks - but then, I think all Gaudi's buildings are wonderful. Such an original mind, but always so artistic. If only all architects could work with curves like Gaudi did. Thanks for posting this. PS. Not over-impressed with the organ, even allowing that it's not the main one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adnosad Posted September 3, 2011 Share Posted September 3, 2011 Having visited the ongoing work-in-progress that is Gaudi's incomparable Sagrada Familia in 2005, I've often found myself wondering what kind of organ would eventually be built for it, and indeed who would be awarded the contract. (I'm sure many others have too!) At last it appears there is a partial answer to that question. Though incomplete, the Sagrada Familia has now been consecrated as a minor basilica, by Pope Benedict in November 2010. A 2-manual / pedal organ was installed in the Presbytery (ready for use on that occasion) by Orgues Blancafort; it's the first of several instruments that will be placed at strategic locations throughout the basilica, obviously to try and overcome the tremendous acoustics in there! http://www.orguesblancafort.com/PRO-EN.pdf http://www.orguesblancafort.com/CARACT-EN.pdf There's already some footage of the instrument in use: The latter clip (from the consecration service) proves why multiple organs will be needed: it must have been hell on earth for the organist to try and accompany the choir from effectively the opposite end of the building! One wonders if the project will be completed in tandem with the basilica's own completion, due by 2026...? Very impressive! Many years since I visited this magnificent edifice. Considering the instruments somewhat limited resources coupled with the high quality of the sound recording I think the instrument sounds quite good in dealing with the somewhat challenging acoustics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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